Interviewing 101: WHAT did you do to blow your chances of getting that new job?

We spend so much time talking about all the things you need to do well to secure a new job. Buttoning up your resume, showing up on time for the interview, and even having great references, to name a few. There are tons more. However, there are things you can do to blow your chances, too. Especially during the interview. This means you are in contention of getting a job offer, but somehow it turns into a “head scratcher”. What went wrong? Here are some things that typically go wrong, which eliminate you from contention. Do any of these describe you?

…

Some of these are obscure. I have my own personal experiences with this. It wasn’t necessarily anything I did wrong; It was something I omitted. I failed to ASK for the opportunity. I didn’t get aggressive enough. I didn’t convey the value I can add to their department. This is slightly different from the merits and premise of this post. So what are some things that you DO – probably unknowingly – that cost you the job? Let’s dig in…

…

TOO over the top. Look, everyone appreciates confidence. Even slight arrogance, there is a fine line right? But when you go TOO over the top it’s a red flag for hiring companies and managers. What do I mean? You show-up for the interview like you own the place. You talk to everyone like you have known them for 18 years. It doesn’t come across as fake per se, but definitely showy. Like a peacock with an arched back and the bravado of an infantry soldier. There is nothing wrong with being outgoing or even aggressive, but recognize that you haven’t been offered the job yet. Play the middle: Not bashful. Not too scintillating from an appearance perspective (Peacocks can be a bit excessive), but spirited.

…

Why didn’t you do your homework? This is something you might say to your child. It’s a fair question, WHY? Doing your homework on a company amounts to spending 30-45 minutes (on the low side) up to a couple hours. WHAT business are they in? What is some recent news? Did the CEO recently get fired for some bad deals in Europe? Not saying you need to know intimate details of their growth strategy for 2017, but there is a lot of surface level detail (and deeper) that can be unearthed by visiting the website. Visit their social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube… Nowadays there is way too much information available. Begs the question, why wouldn’t you know their growth strategy for 2017?

…

In keeping with the theme of the post, the concern with NOT doing your homework is what you might say (Not necessarily omit) as a result of not really knowing the company. The interviewers will know, if you know. If you actually took the time to learn about them. “Do you guys enjoy making chocolate cookies?”, when they are a Pet and Dog foods distributor will disqualify you immediately.

…

Another reason you want to know as much fodder as you can, is because you should have questions prepared for when they ask, “What questions do you have for me”? Don’t be the person who says, “Ummm, none right now”. Guess what, there won’t be a tomorrow. You are showing no interest. You HAVE to show interest. And, ask interesting questions. Not doing your homework is almost akin to showing up for a scheduled exam without studying. Some might be able to pull it off, but why risk it?

…

“What are your top three dog food products, are you looking to expand into different markets? BINGO.

“Don’t feed dogs chocolate cookies!” – Love, Bella

Or Bella? One of the most common female dog names. I like it.

…

Yo’, how much does this job pay? I maybe should have started with this. NEVER talk money. Here is why. First, the purpose of a screening call, prior to going to an interview, is to see if you are in the range – and you don’t waste each other’s time. It’s not the time to be dime and nickeling everything. The HR manager will call and ask, “What are you looking for?” She / He is really asking if it makes sense to meet and have an interview. The job pays up to $95,000. You are currently making $80,000 and looking for $90,000. We are ready to interview. Don’t negotiate prior to an interview.

…

Bit of a digression, but asking this during the interview is poor taste. It shows that you really don’t care about the requirements of the job (the salary trumps all of that day to day crap, right?); Employers will recognize that. It’s the wrong time to ask. Period. NOW, if they ask YOU during the interview… different story. But again, I wouldn’t get in the weeds. Focus on the details of the job. Do you like the job? That is what matters during an interview.

…

I didn’t SEE Bus Driver on your resume? Another good one. Certainly, nothing wrong with being a bus driver. Very admirable role especially as it is about taking care of kids and youths – and safely. However, I am talking about being a DIFFERENT kind of bus driver. The kind that throws people under the bus from your last job. Or present job. Don’t make disparaging comments about co-workers or former co-workers. That is NEVER okay and won’t end well. You might as well position yourself on the two yellow lines… not literally, but figuratively. NO hiring manager or company will move forward with your candidacy. Toxicity is contagious.

…

Inappropriate comments while making small talk. Sometimes it is just inadvertent. You are trying to make small talk and light conversation, but it crosses the line. You are greeted by a young man (Or woman, per this context) that is just about your age. As you are escorted through the building and wing, where you might work, you see an attractive worker or workers. It happens. “Wow, so many gorgeous women that work here”. UH OH, Did you just say that out loud?? It may seem okay on the surface, but not a good comment. This isn’t a college dorm. It’s a place of work. Keep those comments to yourself. By the way, this is more common than you might think. Shout out to Pramilla (She is smiling at me right now). Get the job first. Share this at a future date, but never inappropriately. Enough said. We are all human. Just be appropriate.

…

I looked at Pramilla as a refreshing change from normally dull working environments. Her beautiful smile seemingly made it an inviting place to work, I told her so 3 years later.

…

“I KNOW it… I was just Bizzeebobbering. the other day, too!!”

So back to our walk. Talk normal topics: Weather, Local area occurrences (ie. Did you see that new building getting built outside?), or responses. I try to do sports too, but the moment has to make sense. Did they mention that THEY watched the hockey game last night? Or, what did they bring up? Perfectly acceptable to stay in that lane, if the door opened for that sort of conversation (again, providing it is appropriate). Maybe not your take on the presidential election – that might not win BIGLY.

…

You won’t always get the job. Always remember, there is always such a thing as someone just being a better fit. Not better, better FIT. Never take missed opportunities personally. The job working world behaves in mysterious ways. Be conscious of some of the things cited above, but know that even with no missteps you can still be overlooked. Even peacocks don’t always get noticed by other birds.